This type of cancer begins in the cells of the liver. There are several kinds of cancer that can begin in this organ, the most common of which is hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer cells from the liver can spread quite rapidly to other parts of the body. Liver cancer needs to be identified early for the best results from treatment.
Unfortunately for patients with liver cancer, there are rarely any signs or symptoms of this cancer in the early stages. The symptoms that do appear as the disease progresses can include:
This kind of cancer is caused by changes to the cells within the liver that cause them to divide too rapidly which leads to growths and tumours. Cancer cells can also break free from the liver tissue and spread to other parts of the body. Patients with chronic liver conditions are more likely to develop liver cancer, but liver cancer can also occur in patients with no underlying health conditions.
The risk factors for this type of cancer are:
Diagnosis of this kind of cancer usually requires blood tests as well as imaging tests like CT and MRI. A sample of liver tissue might be removed for testing to identify the kind of cancer. An oncologist will need to be involved to verify the extent of the cancer and to help guide treatment for patients with this diagnosis.
Prevention of liver cancer might not always be possible. However, being sure not to drink alcohol on a regular basis and exercising regularly can help to prevent liver cancer. You should also maintain a healthy weight and a healthy diet and consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis B and C if possible. If you have family members with liver cancer, you should consider being scanned for cancer on a regular basis. Since liver cancer is often asymptomatic in the early stages, being monitored for this condition can be an effective preventative measure.
Treatment of liver cancer depends on the stage that the cancer is in. Surgery to remove the tumour is done in nearly every case, and some patients will be placed on a liver transplant list. Treatments to heat or freeze cancer cells in the liver are effective in some patients. Chemotherapy can be injected directly into the liver or might be delivered intravenously. Immunotherapy and targeted drug therapy can also be done to help treat this kind of cancer.
Many cases of liver cancer are not identified until the cancer has already spread to other organs. If this is the case, the other parts of the body that have become cancerous due to the liver cancer will also need treatment.